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    Seattle Magazine: 10 of our favorite hidden restaurant patios - July 12, 2012 by Mr HomeBuilder

    It's finally warm enough to enjoy dinner al fresco! Try any of these tucked-away spots.

    The Pink Door This sun-dappled Post Alley patio is at the top of our summer checklist. With colorful floral tablecloths and hanging flowerpots, it's always, always bustling on summer days and warm night, and the view of Elliott Bay is matched only by the good vibes. To eat: antipasti, Bloody Marys and simple pastas made with fresh-from-the-market produce...perfection! >> Pike Place Market, 1919 Post Alley; 206.443.3241; thepinkdoor.net

    Ponti Seafood Grill Situated just above the ship canal and strung with white lights at night, this longtime favorite patio with linen-clothed tables is romantic and secluded. During the day, watch boaters pass by while you catch some rays and nosh on pan-Asian dishesahi tuna poke, five-spice-cured black codjust right for hot weather. >> Queen Anne, 3014 Third Ave. N; 206.284.3000; pontiseafoodgrill.com

    Le Grand Bistro Amricain Offering a view well worth paying the 520 tolls for, the two decks of this French bistro are set above Kirkland's Carillon Point, where white yachts bob next to docks on sparkling Lake Washington. At sunset, the Seattle city skyline glimmers. And to boot: the best nioise salad in the city. >> Kirkland, 2220 Carillon Point; 425.828.7778; bistrolegrand.com

    La Rustica A true gem, this humble, lovely Italian spot has a flower-lined patio strewn with ivy and terra cotta pots that will transport you far, far away. You can gaze out for miles over Puget Sound at wooded islands and the snow-capped peaks of the Olympics as you twirl linguine di mare (mixed seafood pasta) onto your fork (all the pastas are tasty here). In authentic Italian fashion, you can taste the love. >> West Seattle, 4100 Beach Drive SW; 206.932.3020; larusticarestaurant.com

    Madison Park Conservatory When blue skies and warm evenings stretch out before us, Madison Park always comes to mind. The restaurant has a roomy patio with tree-filtered views of Lake Washington, but the real appeal is the unmatched people watching: beach-going hipsters in flip-flops, locals in their linen suits and everything in between. Don't miss the hamachi crudo with blood oranges and olives, octopus with chiles and preserved lemons (served seasonally). >> Madison Park, 1927 43rd Ave. E; 206.324.9701; madisonparkconservatory.com

    Oddfellows Cafe The only view from this secret sliver of open space at the rear of Oddfellows Cafe is of the 1012 other people seated at bistro tablesbecause its literally surrounded by brick walls. But the view is still pretty good, considering, since there's rarely a style slouch in the bunch. To eat: homemade coffee cake early, cured-meat plates and Bibb lettuce salads later, with a chilled bottle of ros, of course. >> Capitol Hill, 1525 10th Ave.; 206.325.0807; oddfellowscafe.com

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    Seattle Magazine: 10 of our favorite hidden restaurant patios

    Special group of Speedway volunteers work to keep fans happy - July 9, 2012 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Checkered Flag committee members Richard Fulton, left, and Neil Samuels, right, talk with Lisa Farrah-Fulton and Charlene Boyles and Scott Boyles on Saturday in the Daytona 500 Club at Daytona International Speedway. (N-J | David Tucker)

    DAYTONA BEACH -- When confusion mounted over whether fans were allowed to take coolers into the Pit Row Patios on Saturday, Checkered Flag Committee member Jimmy Foster was there to clarify and smooth things over.

    Like many of the 50 volunteers of the Daytona International Speedway's Checkered Flag Committee, Foster doesn't always know what to expect during his shift as an ambassador for the Speedway. On Saturday, Foster was sweating it out in the Pit Row Patios as he did everything from helping crews set up to assisting lost ticket holders with directions.

    And the fans were allowed to take their coolers into the Pit Row Patios.

    "We want to make sure everyone is enjoying themselves," said Foster, whose grandfather, Jim Foster, started the committee in 1973. "This is a great group of men and women and a great way to give back to the community."

    The Checkered Flag Committee represents a small portion of the hundreds of volunteers who arrived at the Speedway over the weekend to keep fans happy by working concession stands or keeping the grounds in pristine condition. More than 100 volunteers wearing yellow hats were called on to guard the painted logos on the tri-oval grass by pit road.

    Although they don't get paid, the small army of men and women clad in red shirts (or red jackets in the cooler month of February), take their roles seriously. President Joe Cameron refers to the Checkered Flag Committee as an insiders club where the Volusia County professionals take time off work or sacrifice their weekends to serve as ambassadors. The perks of the job include getting the chance to rub elbows with dignitaries like President George H.W. Bush and son President George W. Bush or rock star Lenny Kravitz.

    For fans who pay up to $5,000 to watch the races from the esteemed Daytona 500 Club, committee member Ned Harper, director of Daytona State College's Business Development Center, was there to escort them on tours and engage in friendly chatter.

    "It's so exciting to take people who have never been inside the Daytona 500 Club before," Harper said. "It's a whole different side of the track."

    But the responsibilities go beyond finesse. During medical emergencies, committee members are often the first to act by making the first call for help. Fans who lose tickets or wallets will likely find a friend in a red shirt.

    See more here:
    Special group of Speedway volunteers work to keep fans happy

    Health Officials Gather Opinions About Dogs On Patios - July 5, 2012 by Mr HomeBuilder

    In an effort to understand whether or not Long Beachs restaurant owners would like to legally allow dogs on restaurant patios, Department of Health and Human Services officials are reaching out to area business associations for public input about the idea.

    During the May Belmont Shore Business Association meeting, Nelson Kerr and Jackie Hampton from the health department talked to business owners about potentially developing a more flexible policy for the regulation of dogs on restaurant patios.

    In April, the City Council gave us 90 days to develop a policy about outdoor patio dining with dogs, Kerr said, adding that the idea was brought forth by City Council members Robert Garcia, Suja Lowenthal and Gary DeLong. This wont necessarily be a new ordinance, just an amendment with options for owners businesses wont have to have dogs on their patios if they dont want to. We are planning on going back to City Council very soon and would love to go back in July at some time.

    Kerr, the departments bureau manager, explained that historically animals have been prohibited from retail food facilities, including outdoor patios. However, other counties, including Los Angeles County, have loosened up on the rules when it comes to patio dining.

    Right now we are just brainstorming, Kerr said. We want feedback and then well go back for approval from City Council and start to roll out a program.

    If the rule loosening for outdoor patio dining is approved by City Council, Kerr said the health department will work to prepare a mass campaign for education for customers as well as business owners. Restaurant owners likely will want to post signage if their patio is dog friendly, with certain restrictions (for instance, restaurant owners may specify that dogs are not allowed on laps or on the tables and are not allowed to eat off plates or drink out of glasses intended for human use).

    Certainly we have to be careful when we allow dogs on patios because they may have bad behavior or they may have an accident (pee or poop) Kerr said. We think there is some risk, but that risk can be controlled by good policy and best management practice. We will provide recommendations and guidelines for business owners if they are going to employ this.

    Most of the business owners at the Belmont Shore meeting, as well as other meetings around the city, support the loosening of the outdoor patio rules, Kerr said. In fact, many restaurant owners in Long Beach already bend the rules and allow dogs on outdoor patios, and all restaurant owners at the Belmont Shore meeting said they would allow dogs on their patios if the restrictions are loosened.

    Most of the feedback is very positive, and it is becoming more and more acceptable to have animals out with people in public, Kerr said. We are seeing it more and more with people bringing their dogs out to eat I havent really heard any negative feedback from any of the presentations weve made weve reached out to the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, business associations and the Council of Business Associations.

    Still, Dede Rossi, executive director of the Belmont Shore Business Association, said she has concerns about the rule change. In particular, she is worried that some restaurant owners who do not allow dogs on their patios might lose business from pet owners.

    Read more here:
    Health Officials Gather Opinions About Dogs On Patios

    Portable Decking Tiles come in 3 hardwood forms. - July 4, 2012 by Mr HomeBuilder

    BRADENTON, Fla., -- DeckWise.com, an internationally recognized manufacturer of hidden deck fasteners and accessories, has recently introduced high-quality hardwood deck tiles to their inventory lineup in an effort to expand their esteemed and established product offerings to include commodities beyond the deck building supplies they traditionally produce.

    "We have established ourselves as a leading supplier of high-quality stainless steel screws to South American deck tile manufacturers. So it seemed like a natural fit to offer our US customer base deck tiles built with our screws and, at the same time, help promote our South American clientele. Ultimately, our success distributing screws and Deck Tile Connectors to our dealers made adding the tiles as a pre-assembled accessory a no-brainer," said Jeffrey Horn, COO of DeckWise, a division of The Ipe Clip Fastener Company LLC.

    Three of the world's most luxurious and in-demand hardwoods form the catalog of the new deck tiles, which conveniently come in multiple variations:

    Ipe: Available in two sizes: 24 x 24 inches with a thickness of 1.69 inches, and 20 x 20 inches with a thickness of 1.18 inches. The latter's surface comes in two incarnations: smooth and anti-slip; the former comes in smooth.

    Cumaru: 20 x 20 inches with a thickness of 1.18 inches; smooth surface

    Tigerwood: 20 x 20 inches with a thickness of 1.18 inches; smooth surface

    Deck tiles, also known as instant decking, portable decking or pre-installed decking, have dramatically grown in popularity in recent years, hence the decision by DeckWise to add them to their "starting lineup" of product choices.

    "Besides giving past, present and future customers more premium-quality product choices from DeckWise, we've also given them another benefit that many can reap in this current rental-dominated market: portability," said Jeffrey. "Whereas traditional decking is meant to be permanent and left behind in the event a tenant relocates, decking tiles allow anybody - tenant or homeowner - to place them on their patio and then easily take the tiles with them when they move."

    Jeffrey adds that "Decking tiles are ideal for people who wish to cover up ugly, aged concrete patios and other structural blemishes, as well as liven up their outdoor surroundings with a luxurious look that can be seamlessly moved and arranged with ease."

    About DeckWise(TM)

    See the rest here:
    Portable Decking Tiles come in 3 hardwood forms.

    Smokers in Ottawa face $305 fine for lighting up in parks, patios under bylaw - July 3, 2012 by Mr HomeBuilder

    The Canadian Press Jul 2, 2012 8:53 PM ET

    Smokers in Ottawa will have to think twice before lighting up in parks and on public patios the citys new anti-smoking rules kicked in Monday.

    Smoking on city property, parks and beaches and on restaurant and bar patios can now lead to a fine of $305. The changes to the citys smoking bylaw were passed three months ago.

    But up until Monday offenders were let off with a warning.

    Last week, city council voted to extend the ban to hookah water pipes. The ban is on the grounds that the outdoor smoking is a public nuisance and creates odours.

    City clerk and solicitor Rick OConnor told committee members that he believes the prohibition is the first of its kind in the province, and might face legal challenges legal challenges from users of medical marijuana, and based on cultural aspects.

    The Canadian Press

    Posted in: Canada, News Tags: Ottawa, Rick OConnor

    Originally posted here:
    Smokers in Ottawa face $305 fine for lighting up in parks, patios under bylaw

    High Heat Closes Some Dining Patios - July 3, 2012 by Mr HomeBuilder

    COLUMBIA - Some restaurants are closing their patios to patrons due to record breaking temperatures in the Mid-Missouri area. Flat Branch Pub and Brewing is among the restaurants that have decided to limit seating to inside. Manager Michael Weston said the decision was made with the safety of servers and customers in mind.

    "Really, it's for their own benefit and it's for the benefit of our servers," Weston said. "Last summer we did have a server who suffered from some of the causes of being out in the sun too long, so we try to avoid that."

    Despite the decrease in seating, Weston said sales were not that heavily affected by the heat. He equated the time Flat Branch has gone without the patio to the winter months when it's too cold to use the patio anyways.

    "People still file in. We're still busy. We just have a full inside," Weston said.

    A hostess at Bleu said the Walnut Street restaurant has also closed its patio.

    As soon as the heat breaks, Weston said the patios will be open for use again.

    See more here:
    High Heat Closes Some Dining Patios

    Add Value With A Patio - July 2, 2012 by Mr HomeBuilder

    A nice patio is a worthwhile investment. Not only can you utilize the space for wining and dining while you are living in your house, but when it comes time to sell your place, your patio can make your house more appealing.

    According to a 2007 survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors, patios were among the top 10 features that buyers want in a new house. More than half of surveyed buyers said that they would be willing to pay a premium for a house with a patio.

    Patios add value to your house

    Jim Lowenstern, broker and owner of Castles Real Estate in Newton, Mass., says that a well-designed, constructed and maintained patio may make your house more appealing to potential buyers.

    "They consider it a bonus living area that will not be taxed heavily, doesn't need to be heated or cooled and is easy to manage all year long with all of its associated benefits," Lowenstern says.

    What's so great about a patio?

    So you know that building a patio may increase the value of your home, but is it worth the investment? Lowenstern points out that having a patio means your living space transcends the walls of your home. On a nice day, an outdoor sitting area is steps from your door. You can invest in some practical patio furniture or set up lounge chairs and take a break from your busy schedule without going too far.

    Patios also allow you to take your cooking out of the kitchen. Throw some burgers on the grill and enjoy a pleasant evening in your backyard.

    Peter Wollner, a broker at New Homes and Land Brokers in Torrance, Calif., says that patios are prime places for outdoor entertainment, especially when you can easily supply the music with your smart phone or iPod and a set of speakers.

    "You can transform the outdoor patio space to an entertainers lounge, virtually overnight," he says.

    More here:
    Add Value With A Patio

    Adults-Only Jello - June 28, 2012 by Mr HomeBuilder

    The 4th of July is all about the parties. On rooftops, porches and patios everywhere, Americans are firing up grills in preparation for our country's birthday, serving up tasty food and, of course drinks.

    Instead of sipping on microbrews, expertly mixed cocktails or fine bottles of wine, why not bring a bit of nostalgia to the celebration with Jell-O shooters. These vodka-soaked squares of gelatin are all grown up since your college days and have morphed into tasty treats of sophistication.

    It's true, the Jell-O shooter is back with a vengeance. The molecular mixology craze combined with the push among many higher-end bartenders to use fresh ingredients and find new and unique takes on cocktails have driven them to mine the bizarre world of gelatin. But no longer are these the day-glo concoctions found in the dixie cups of yore. No, these are made with the greatest of care, freshest of ingredients and with a sense of fun and whimsy that even the most demented frat boy intent on whipping up a batch of pina colada Jell-O shots would be hard pressed to match.

    And best of all, they're available in bars and restaurants across the country, not to mention easy enough to whip up in your own kitchen.

    The Gin & Tonic

    Perhaps the quintessential summer drink, it was almost inevitable that this classic was mixed into gel form. And who better to do it than Michelle Palm, the woman who wrote the book on Jell-O shooters, literally. The author of Jelly Shot Test Kitchen, Palm has made a habit of translating a wide variety of cocktails into jiggly forms. Starting with a blog, she documented her search for gelatinized inebriation and eventually scored a book deal, where her catalog of boozy snacks is photographed to perfection. The blog continues on as well, her friends enjoying the fruits of her experimentation far too much to allow her to stop. Not that Palm minds, saying, I'll keep posting recipes as long as people have an interest, and probably for a good long time after that. It's terrifically fun.

    Recipe: Click here for the Gin & Tonic

    The Watermelon Shooter

    While Palm wrote the book, the Internet abounds with how-to's on mixing up your own gelatin libations. Thom Scher, director of marketing for wikiHow.com, is justifiably proud of his site's catalog of slippery shooters. While the site features everything from caffeine Jello shots to Easter egg Jello shots, one of the most popular versions, according to Scher, is, a simple and delicious treat that's a step up from a normal college shooter, using muddled watermelon and premium vodka to take a familiar fraternity treat and turn it into something special.

    Recipe: Click here for the Watermelon Shooter

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    Adults-Only Jello

    Abbotsford approves patios for downtown core - June 28, 2012 by Mr HomeBuilder

    People will be able to enjoy a snack and a glass of wine in the sunshine this summer in downtown Abbotsford if all goes as planned.

    Council approved a new proposal by the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association on Monday to allow patios on city sidewalks in the historic core. ADBA executive director Tina Stewart said the group has been pushing for patios in the area for a couple of years and hopes to see them set up within the next month or so.

    "We want to create more foot traffic in the area and make it more appealing to the eye," said Stewart.

    "It fits into the downtown vision where people are comfortable walking around and fits with the community's character."

    The proposal will draw more pedestrians to the core and create a vibrant, interesting atmosphere and streetscape, she said. People will see cafs or restaurants establish little patios on sidewalks but the seating areas won't block pedestrian traffic.

    Area businesses made the push for the plan after enjoying success with test run patios set up during Berry Beat Festival last year, said Stewart.

    "It's a huge draw. Sitting outside is something people really enjoy," she said.

    Ken Baerg, director of economic development, said the patio plan will run as a pilot project in the downtown area and, if successful, will be expanded to businesses in the rest of the city.

    City staff will establish the bureaucratic particulars including an approval process and licensing agreements, Baerg said. A draft set of guidelines for the design, construction, decor, lighting, plants and pedestrian access into and around the patios has been developed.

    The cost being proposed by the city for a new patio licence would be $120 upon application and a $40 fee for each subsequent year.

    Original post:
    Abbotsford approves patios for downtown core

    Booze-free patios - June 28, 2012 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Chebucto Coffee Under the trellis on Chebucto, a London Fog in hand, is the perfect place to meet your neighbours and their friendly dogs. Conveniently located where multiple buses converge, within sight of a basketball court (to gently remind you of your summer resolution to try group sports), this sorely needed west end coffee shop is a little haven of calm on busy Chebucto.6430 Chebucto Road, 404-5885

    The Chickenburger The sidewalk's sizzling and all you want to do is dunk an onion ring into some ice cream and eat it in the shade. We won't judge you and neither will the folks at the downtown location of The Chickenburger. Chicken Little provides for your ice cream cravings (watch for extended hours as it gets warmer) and The Chickenburger serves up burgers of the cheese, chicken and regular variety, fish 'n' chips, onion rings, et cetera. You know the drill, they know the grill. 1466 Queen Street

    Just Us! Coffeehouse The flagship house at the corner of Spring Garden Road and Carlton Street has a huge bottom floor, a lovely upstairs and, most notably for our purposes, a handful of tables on the very busy street outside. Heavily trafficked by students during the school year, in the summer it becomes a beacon for java lovers, evening walkers and commuters. 5896 Spring Garden Road, 423-0856

    Sawadee Tea House Down in the Granville Mall, where art students and marathon drinkers mingle, lies this lovely tea shop. It boasts a selection of leaves from all over the world, so pick your poison and snag one of the half-dozen seats out front. 1871 Granville Street, 422-4192

    Second Cup Grab an Icepresso or one of the new blended fruit drinks---green apple, hello---snag a seat in the nook between the cafe and the old TD Bank, and watch it all go by. 5425 Spring Garden Road, 429-0883

    The Smiling Goat This tiny sidewalk set is great for creeping gym-goers while you sip your high-end coffee. 1551 South Park Street, 446-3366

    Steve-O-Reno's Cappuccino A meeting spot for students, post-yoga gossipers and underemployed musicians alike. It's a fight for a seat on the modest patio, but great for savouring iced coffee. Mmmmm.1536 Brunswick Street, 429-3034

    Original post:
    Booze-free patios

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